hannahackermans's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
fuchsia_groan's review against another edition
4.0
Con esta novela gráfica he quedado fascinada sobre todo en el aspecto formal: el dibujo, el cambio en los colores para caracterizar a los personajes o para indicar el tiempo... en la tipografía, las formas de representar a los personajes, toda la cantidad de detalles (por ejemplo del mobiliario). Una grandísima obra, imprescindible diría yo para todo el que disfrute con el género, y muy recomendable para aquellos que todavía piensan (parece imposible que puedan existir, pero sí, por ahí andan) que los cómics son un género menor.
Maravillosa la parte en la que en unas pocas páginas da un repaso a la vida cotidiana de Asterios con Hana, también ese descenso a los infiernos en modo Orfeo para recuperarla.
Lo que menos me ha gustado, los momentos en los que se pone demasiado trascendental.
De todas formas, y aunque la historia me ha quedado un poco en un segundo plano, me ha gustado mucho el personaje de Asterios, la genial Ursula, la ironía que utiliza.
Una vez terminado he vuelto a las primeras páginas y veo un montón de cosas nuevas: los vídeos, la navaja, el reloj, los gemelos siempre presentes incluso en pequeños detalles (los libros que salen: El príncipe y el mendigo, El hombre de la máscara de hierro...). Lo releeré en algún momento y creo que puede ser que ahí lo disfrute al 100%.
Maravillosa la parte en la que en unas pocas páginas da un repaso a la vida cotidiana de Asterios con Hana, también ese descenso a los infiernos en modo Orfeo para recuperarla.
Lo que menos me ha gustado, los momentos en los que se pone demasiado trascendental.
De todas formas, y aunque la historia me ha quedado un poco en un segundo plano, me ha gustado mucho el personaje de Asterios, la genial Ursula, la ironía que utiliza.
Una vez terminado he vuelto a las primeras páginas y veo un montón de cosas nuevas: los vídeos, la navaja, el reloj, los gemelos siempre presentes incluso en pequeños detalles (los libros que salen: El príncipe y el mendigo, El hombre de la máscara de hierro...). Lo releeré en algún momento y creo que puede ser que ahí lo disfrute al 100%.
hanne's review against another edition
5.0
The aesthetic. The characters. The way every detail is significant.
This might be a favorite now.
This might be a favorite now.
joaniemaloney's review against another edition
4.0
Simply exquisite.
I'll have to put this on my 're-read potential' shelf because there's a lot to take away from it. I'm not sure I got the full experience, beyond admiring the gorgeous artwork. The gist of this story is about Asterios Polyp (this name is not going to stick with me, won't lie), now living alone in NYC in a rather...empty life 'til his apartment burns down. He then decides, to hell with it, and goes off on his own to a small town. The storytelling doesn't just jump back and forth in time to understand his past, but varies in style too. There are many other references to art, design, music, and literature, which is what I was referring to when I say this deserves another visit. I skimped out a bit with delving deeper because I wanted to experience it fluidly.
The premise of this isn't exactly unique: an older man looking back on his past regrets and particularly, his mistakes with a woman (or several) in his life. I think that was what put me off from reading this sooner. I've seen enough of it being the topic of choice in every medium, really. What makes this worth picking up is all the layers that Mazzucchelli has carefully constructed to make up this piece of art. The palette is also worth nothing - colours have a reason for being in this story, and some are used very sparingly or not at all. Of course, I did get attached to the story, which is the most important part. I can admire a piece on its technical merit but the strongest impression is always how something makes me feel. And this delivered. A particular favourite section of mine actually didn't involve any dialogue but consisted of the moments in the morning routine of his wife. The way that every mundane thing was catalogued and seen with a sort of affection was lovely. Out of everything it wrenched the most emotions from me.
This gets a rec from me, for most!
I'll have to put this on my 're-read potential' shelf because there's a lot to take away from it. I'm not sure I got the full experience, beyond admiring the gorgeous artwork. The gist of this story is about Asterios Polyp (this name is not going to stick with me, won't lie), now living alone in NYC in a rather...empty life 'til his apartment burns down. He then decides, to hell with it, and goes off on his own to a small town. The storytelling doesn't just jump back and forth in time to understand his past, but varies in style too. There are many other references to art, design, music, and literature, which is what I was referring to when I say this deserves another visit. I skimped out a bit with delving deeper because I wanted to experience it fluidly.
The premise of this isn't exactly unique: an older man looking back on his past regrets and particularly, his mistakes with a woman (or several) in his life. I think that was what put me off from reading this sooner. I've seen enough of it being the topic of choice in every medium, really. What makes this worth picking up is all the layers that Mazzucchelli has carefully constructed to make up this piece of art. The palette is also worth nothing - colours have a reason for being in this story, and some are used very sparingly or not at all. Of course, I did get attached to the story, which is the most important part. I can admire a piece on its technical merit but the strongest impression is always how something makes me feel. And this delivered. A particular favourite section of mine actually didn't involve any dialogue but consisted of the moments in the morning routine of his wife. The way that every mundane thing was catalogued and seen with a sort of affection was lovely. Out of everything it wrenched the most emotions from me.
This gets a rec from me, for most!
bannisterb's review against another edition
5.0
Really loved the graphics and the engaging story. Even with a lot of mythical and academic references I didn’t always get, the narrative and imagery were enough to make things clear.
anetq's review against another edition
5.0
Spiller på alle tangenter: Smuk og rig variation i streg og stil, fortælling vha. sideopsætninger og brug af rammer og whitespace - og samtidig en god historie - eller en hel af samling af dem faktisk. Og så er det jo svært ikke at kunne lide noget der starter med et nik til Fight Club og ender med død ved asteroide. Eller måske en ny begyndelse, efter dualismen er tævet ud af hovedet på ham?
limywei's review against another edition
5.0
Of all the graphic novels I have read so far, this one truly pushes the cause of the medium as an art form. The story is presented in colourful and varied expressions. Illustrations are not conformed to your typical rectangular layouts, with the large drawings spilling out onto all 4 corners of the book, giving it a much larger presence and a kind of life and vitality. This wholesome use of space also makes the book easy to read and digest, and can serve as a good introduction to the comic medium which can at times be seen as cluttered and intimidating. Every single depiction is purposeful and deliberate, combining meaning and intent with efficiency and artistry.
The writer introduces many art forms (design, literature, philosophy, music, theatre), and manages to wove them all together into telling a story about the ultimate form of art: love. Regardless of whether you are interested in or indifferent to love, there is something that you can relate with and learn from in Asterios Polyp's journey of self realisation. A remarkable and beautiful read.
The writer introduces many art forms (design, literature, philosophy, music, theatre), and manages to wove them all together into telling a story about the ultimate form of art: love. Regardless of whether you are interested in or indifferent to love, there is something that you can relate with and learn from in Asterios Polyp's journey of self realisation. A remarkable and beautiful read.
bluenicorn's review against another edition
5.0
Excellent book. Thought-provoking text, innovative drawing, and a really appealing set of characters. I can't even properly describe it- just really worth the read.
krissyronan's review against another edition
2.0
My first dive into graphic novels. Tells story on many levels - words, colors, type styles, drawing styles
Past/present
element of mystery
Care about a mostly unlovable character - arrogant but pitiable
A few graphic images
Past/present
element of mystery
Care about a mostly unlovable character - arrogant but pitiable
A few graphic images